Virbhadra Singh is a legendary name when we talk about the regional politics of Himachal Pradesh. During the early hours of Thursday, he breathed his last at the age of 87 in Shimla. According to media reports, he had been admitted to the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, where he passed away after a cardiac arrest.
Virbhadra Singh and the World of Politics
Singh lived his political life with the identity of being a staunch Congress leader. He was a six-time chief minister, currently a sitting MLA in Arki, situated in Solan district. Additionally, Singh had won five Lok Sabha and nine Assembly elections. He entered the political arena when he got elected to the Lok Sabha in 1962. He was also the union minister for Steel. Singh held the position of Deputy Minister in the cabinet of Jawahar Lal Nehru. Apart from that, Virbhadra remained the State Congress President in 1977, 1979, 1980 and 2012.
Virbhadra Singh is fondly known by the name ‘Raja Sahib’. He hails from the Rampur-Bushahr royal family. Furthermore, he belonged to the older generation of the Indian National Congres (INC). Singh was a respected figure both in state politics and central one. He had a distinct charm of turning odds in his favour. In other words, his political acumen was unparalleled.
Rest in Peace ‘Raja Sahib’
Singh had tested positive twice for the contagious coronavirus. Firstly, he tested positive on April 12. His treatment began in Max, Mohali. Afterwards, he started recovering and got discharged. But on April 30, because of his dip in oxygen saturation level, he was again hospitalized. Then, he was undergoing treatment in IGMC. On the way to recovery, he again contracted COVID-19 on June 11. As a result of old age and pre-existing health conditions, he passed away today.
Raja Sahib’s demise indicates the end of an era. A great loss to the country.